News And Previews

“As of 6 June 2020, I have very reluctantly and sadly cancelled this year’s summer season, in negotiation with the Shelley. Due to begin in 7 1/2 weeks, with our first performance of Who Killed ‘Agatha’ Christie, I have left it as long as I could. “But the Shelley Theatre will not reopen in time for the season to begin. Both Zoe at the Shelley and myself have really tried to make this happen but even if this were possible, social distancing measures would have to be enforced, as well as there being the risk of a company member showing symptoms and therefore closing down the

Following a successful Crowdfunder Campaign, BlackBox Theatre Company presents their first Radio Play, produced during the Lockdown The 39 Steps Radio Drama Accused of a murder he didn’t commit, Richard Hannay is on the run. Following clues left to him in a little black book by a mysterious American gentleman, he must uncover the secrets of the 39 Steps, prove his innocence and save Britain from the forces of evil!! This show is available to listen to FOR FREE on BlackBox Theatre’s new YouTube channel. If you want to help support BlackBox Theatre company, then audiences might want to consider making

Award-winning amateur theatre group Highcliffe Charity Players has recently donated more than £1,000 to support four worthy causes: £500 to local theatrical costumiers Carry On Costumes, currently creating vital personal protective equipment (PPE) for local key workers; £500 to Christchurch Food Bank; £100 to Wings2fly towards the purchase of two custom-made specialist paediatric care ambulances, and £50 to Lurcher SOS Sighthound Rescue, a charity supported by their President, Guy Henry. Says HCP Chairman Georgina Smith: “In this current climate amongst so much uncertainty, it has been heart-warming for Charity Players to be able to donate money to those close to

P&P Productions were due to open at Lighthouse, Poole on 3 June 2020 with their lively production of Oliver! Plans have inevitably been altered, as they have for so many companies, but P&P have reunited virtually to mark the occasion and would ask you to ‘Consider Yourself’ invited to share it with them! “Whatever is going on in the world you can always ‘Consider Yourself’ one of the P&P family! “Sadly Coronavirus brought all rehearsals to a halt back in March, but as the old saying goes “the show must go on” so we’ve virtually reunited our very talented cast

20 March 2020: Coronavirus update Today, in increasing efforts to contain and prevent the further spread of coronavirus, the Government has ordered all theatres to officially close until further notice. Although we would all wish that the “show could go on”, this is not possible at the present time – public health and safety must come before all else, though we share your disappointment at the necessary temporary halt to performances. The Scene One+ Team greatly value the Societies, Companies and Theatre Groups who have performed live theatre in the Dorset, Hampshire and South Wiltshire region, as well as the

First, and most importantly, all of us at Lighthouse hope this message finds you and your loved ones well. The health and wellbeing of our staff, our audiences and our community are our first priority. Lighthouse will be closed from 5.30pm on Tuesday 17 March until Tuesday 14 April After the announcement from the Government that social distancing is now required and that people should avoid public buildings including theatres, we have taken the very difficult decision that we must be socially responsible and close Lighthouse for all public events for a period of time. From 5.30pm today there will be no performances